Karnataka Guv appoints BJP MLA pro-tem Speaker, Cong-JD(S) move SC

Bengaluru: With the Karnataka election results becoming all the more crucial, all eyes are set on Saturday's floor test that is set to take place at 4 pm.

Ahead of the floor test, Vajubhai Vala -- the governor of Karnataka -- has appointed Bharatiya Janata Party MLA KG Bopaiah as pro-tem Speaker.

Bopaiah, 62, a five-time lawmaker, is a former speaker of the Karnataka Assembly.

Reacting to the development, Congress leader Randeep Surjewala said, "The Governor Vajubhai Vala has once again launched an encounter on the Constitution by appointing KG Bopaiah as pro-tem Speaker instead of the senior most MLA."

According to news agency PTI, the Congress-JD (S) combine approached the Supreme Court challenging Bopaiah's appointment as the pro-tem Speaker.

According to sources, the petition was placed before a registrar of the apex court but some defects were pointed out in the plea. "Some defects have been pointed out to us and we are curing those defects," one of lawyers, associated with the development, said.

Congress leader Abhishek Manu Singhvi had earlier in the day said, "What the BJP has done is against the rulebook. Ideally, the senior most leader is supposed to hold that position."

Meawhile, BJP has alleged that the Congress is raising ‘hoax’ objection.

Union Minister and BJP leader Prakash Javadekar said, "KG Bopaiah was appointed as Pro-tem speaker even in 2008 by the then Governor. That time Bopaiah was 10 years younger than what he is today. Congress is thus raising hoax objection. The appointment of Bopaiah ji is as per rules and regulations."

Bopaiah, who is known to be close to Yeddyurappa, had in 2010 disqualified 11 BJP lawmakers when they revolted after Yeddy was charged in a mining scam.

This disqualification helped the Yeddyurappa-led BJP government survive a trust vote. The decision was later cancelled by the Supreme Court. The apex court said Bopaiah had not been fair.